The monastery of S. Francesco,

Fiesole, Provincia di Firenze, Italy

A weekend in Florence to visit a friend. A city that never ranked as one of my favourites but I saw a different side to it this time. Staying in an apartment on the other side of the river, away from the year round hordes of tourists hoping to glance at David’s penis, sardining themselves onto the Ponte Vecchio, or just blocking your way on a narrow pavement whilst you desperately seek respite from the perpetual drizzle. Yes, tourists! Damn you!

The other side is much nicer, much more local. And home to the Boboli gardens and the Palazzo Pitti. We made it up to Fiesole, just outside the city, perched on a hill top. The views of Florence from there are simply breathtaking. And I happened upon this monastery. Serene and minding its holy business as any good ole monastery should. And home to quite a few dishy monks…

I like the DESIGN DEMOCRACY that is omnipresent on every street corner of Copenhagen. Its like its in their blood. Visit Illums Bolighus, the royal-warrantied design emporium in the heart of the shopping centre and swoon. It takes lifestyle shopping to another level. I came back with more than my fair share of glassware, kitchen implements and what-a-view!

My Danish mates, and I have a few, all seem to have a natural instinct for collecting ceramics. Their apartments are strewn with esoteric collections of varying forms and colours that are just so damn pretty to look at at.

And those Danes are so tall and blonde and beautiful. Like the palest of pale white beers. Almost silvery hair in the more extreme cases of blonditude! Wow! Can I stroke it? Gliding around on their bikes, blonde locks flapping in the wind. Oh, those Danes…

But for me wood wins out. You should know your design classics and if not do your homework. I came across these chairs and tables in a cafe that I can’t remember the name of. I never said that I was observant! But its a popular chain you’ll come across several times. Its the one just across from COS, on that street that leads to Illums…

They look delightful, don’t they, sunbathing?